Poll

Agriculture

Have you ever heard someone say, “All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti”? Have you ever wondered what the difference is? Well, in the most basic sense cacti are succulents that do not have leaves. However, the mere presence of spines (the prickly part of cacti) is not the sole indicator that a plant is a cactus. The various families are actually determined by flower form (just like the orchid).

In February, Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer asked farmers across the Commonwealth to step up and make the “Ag Tag” donation. For the second time, the proceeds from voluntary donations to the Agricultural Program Trust fund would be divided equally among 4-H, FFA and Kentucky Proud. Farmers had the option to donate $10 when they renewed their license plates in March.

Entomologists in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment have developed a new control method for mosquitoes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently granted a permit to begin field trials.
The biological control method targets the Asian tiger mosquito; it is the first of its kind in the nation.

There are many gardening tasks that either must be done or are better done in the fall of the year. Removing old plant debris; fertilizing trees, shrubs and lawns; and protecting tender plants like hybrid tea roses and French hydrangeas. These chores are all important for good garden maintenance. Taking care of them now can vastly improve the quality of your garden later. And eliminate some of the disease problems that affect us the most.

Spencer County’s 4-H Shooting Sports Club was right on target at the 2013 4-H State Shooting Sports Competition, bringing home first place team trophies. This two-day competition was at the Bluegrass Sportsman’s Club in Wilmore on Saturday, Sept. 14, and at the Kentucky Wildlife Management Center in Berea on Sunday, Sept. 15.

How about this weather? I am anticipating a very good orchid season coming up because our temperatures have been so mild, especially with nighttime temperatures dipping into the 50s already. These cool nights are a piece of the puzzle in order to get some plants to bloom indoor in the winter.

As the fall season progresses, many folks obtain large amounts of leaves and other yard wastes that need to be removed from their property. Composting is a practice that is beneficial to the environment and at the same time allows property owners to get rid of these different yard wastes in an effective manner.

Kelly and Jack Baird recently exhibited their Jersey Heifers at the Kentucky State Fair 4-H and FFA Dairy Show. Jack was second in showmanship and his heifer was third in class. Kelly participated in showmanship and was eighth with her heifer. Pictured, from left, are Jack Baird, Bland Baird and Kelly Baird.